Michel Barnier calls for ‘more ambition’ from UK on citizens’ rights

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, responded to Theresa May’s offer to EU citizens living in the U.K. by calling for “more ambition, clarity and guarantees.”

On Twitter, Barnier said the EU’s goal on citizens’ rights was the “same level of protection as in EU law.”

May had said earlier Monday that all EU citizens who move to the U.K. before Britain’s formal withdrawal will be given “blanket permission” to stay in the country for up to two years after Brexit to give them time to apply for official residency rights.

The offer seeks to avoid a “cliff edge” scenario the day after Brexit when EU citizens’ right to move to the U.K. comes to an end.

The British prime minister said this meant no EU citizen in the country before Britain leaves the bloc on March 29, 2019 will have to leave.

EU goal on #citizensrights: same level of protection as in EU law. More ambition, clarity and guarantees needed than in today's UK position.

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cinceur

And when you ask them “how much should we give?”,
Oh, they only ask for more, more, more…

Posted on 6/26/17 | 5:54 PM CEST

tony

cinceur

I suggest you read the book ‘adults in the room’ by the former greek finance minister. The EU are following exactly the tactics they used in Greece.

When they are managing to pi*s off even the ardent remainers they should know when their demands are counter productive.

EU citizens can have no more rights than british ones. As foreign nationals

Posted on 6/26/17 | 6:16 PM CEST

alan

To paraphrase – “UK goal on #citizensrights: same level of protection as in UK law. More realism, common sense and understanding than in today’s EU position”

Posted on 6/26/17 | 6:29 PM CEST

Suzie

EU position is starting to look more than silly. Pressure will be on the very soon to drop their fanciful demands. They are beginning to lose credibility is their willingness to reach a deal.

Posted on 6/26/17 | 6:48 PM CEST

Vishnou

@Cinseur: You told me I was “boring”. Fine. Let me please return the compliment because your comments are worse than boring: they don’t make any sense 🙂 By the way, do YOU have a job?????

Posted on 6/26/17 | 6:58 PM CEST

Vishnou

@Tony: you’re a dreamer: Cinceur has not intention to read anything that would widen his or her, whatever, horizon: far to the contrary: just enjoys being stuck in prefab ideas because it feels so comfortable.

Posted on 6/26/17 | 7:08 PM CEST

Vishnou

Diplomacy at its best….. Wait for the next call: it will be far less indulging if May does’t get it right. Brits and brexiteers above all don’t seem to get it that their decision is not the rule of law. Why on earth would the EU be indulgent?

Posted on 6/26/17 | 7:15 PM CEST

Roy Jacobs

As many as wish to live with their EU rights may do so, within an EU state.
Just as Americans wishing to have their U.S. Rights may do so, in the United States.

Posted on 6/26/17 | 8:11 PM CEST

Madhava

@Vishnou

I am sorry but giving EU citizens different rights to UK ones doesn’t seem possible and looks to be a bad. I personal would not be happy with it. Same rights for EU and UK citizens is something I personally would have no problem with.

But why would it be any different the EU talks about how the UK will be a third country (which it will) how can they force this on us?

It looks to be a fair deal the only reasons I cam think of why the EU has a problem with it is either they don’t want to have a deal or are just trying to bully us.

Posted on 6/26/17 | 9:42 PM CEST

wow

Well you can ask all you like but…..

Posted on 6/26/17 | 11:52 PM CEST

S. Alexander

@Madhava

Why? Because of the Treaties Her Majesty signed through her plenipotentiaries. She has given some rights. And Her Majesty is not known for some hundred years to take rights back.

Posted on 6/27/17 | 12:14 AM CEST

Honest Dave

Basics of civil society: you must abide by the laws in which you reside. I can’t go to France and drive on the left side just because it’s the law where I’m from!

Posted on 6/27/17 | 6:18 AM CEST

cinceur

@Vishnou

Apparently I touched a nerve, and I don’t even remember. See if you can make a comment that doesn’t involve ad hominem attacks on people, and bizarre assertions about their willingness to have an open mind.

Posted on 6/27/17 | 11:35 AM CEST

cinceur

@Vishnou

Or maybe you´re just not a Creedence Clearwater Revival fan…? Me neither, the article ust made me think of that line.

Posted on 6/27/17 | 11:36 AM CEST

European

Barnier should also fire all of the UK buraucrats still working in the EU. Tit for tat.

Posted on 7/6/17 | 9:56 PM CEST

European

Why don´t all UK citizens leave the EU voluntarily, once they hate it so much? They have it all the better in their home country! They can reside in the West end residential towers which catch fire, eat Yorkshire pudding, Steak and Kidney pie, mash potatoes with gravy and lousy burgers from MacDonalds. Fish & chips is something they can no longer afford.
Let the Brits leave the EU physically, and let´s see them rescuing their failed country. They have nothing to do in the EU anymore!